Jason Venkataya represented umpiring with distinction at the AFL opening of the Multi-cultural round. Jason was part of a panel interviewed by Jason Mifsud, AFL head of diversity. He outlined his families journey to Australia, his introduction to footy and why it was important for his connection to Australia’s culture. Jason also gave an insight into what umpiring meant to him.
AFL CEO, Gillon McLachlan launched a new campaign by the AFLUD to promote umpiring to multicultural groups at the same time as launching the multicultural round. We look forward to seeing the new campaign being rolled out.
Speaking of rolling out new campaigns, we note with interest that two umpiring challenges have been incorporated into the AFL playground at each ground. Children can now attempt to bounce a ball like a field umpire and throw a ball into a bucket using boundary umpiring techniques. These activities continues the work being undertaken in umpiring development to introduce umpiring to new audiences.
“You can take the boy out of Tassie but you can’t take Tassie out of the boy.” Scott Jeffery is certainly living proof of that. While Scott nears the 300 games required for AFL life membership he has added another accolade to his impressive list of achievements; being awarded the Tasmanian Football League umpire in the team of the decade. Scott was one of only three people who were selected into the Tasmanian team of the century 10 years ago to be selected into this team. Matthew Richardson and Paul Williams were the other two. Well done Scotty.
The last split round of the season enabled most umpires to take a deep breath and ready themselves for the last phase of the season. Some field umpires were asked if they wanted a week off others were ordered to rest. Rosebury, Pannell, Nicholls, McInerney, Margetts and Dalgleish were doubled up and did not have the week off.
Simon Meredith is joining in some training as part of his comeback after his serious illness. While he is still waiting to get the all clear to resume full training he is very positive about getting back onto the field before the end of the year.
South Australian goal umpire, Mathew Wilson didn’t get a week off when he returned home to Bundbury in WA and got talked into umpiring in the country league. See the video on our home page for more information.